Title: Recent Experience in the Specification, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Bridge Bearings

Author(s): David J. Lee

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 70

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 161-175

Keywords: bridge bearings; installing; joints (junctions); maintenance; manufacturing; specifications; structural design.

DOI: 10.14359/17407

Date: 1/1/1981

Abstract:
The Paper reviews recent experience in the United Kingdom and overseas relating to bridge bearing design and performance and is in three sections. 1. Trends in theory and practice of bearing design. 2. Remarks on the specification of bridge bearings in accordance with the proposed new British Standard for Bridges. (BS 5400: Part 9: Bridge Bearings). The document on bearings has been issued in draft for public comment. Following a review of comments received it is expected that the final document will be published at the end of 1981 or in early 1982. As it is the first British Standard to cover the major types of bearings used in bridges it will be of fundamental importance where British Standards are adopted or in those areas where similar principles are applied. 3. Remarks on experiences of bearing installation and performance over the last twenty years, with particular reference to those types developed during that period, such as the elastomeric bearing and those incorporating low friction sliding surfaces.